Curtains play a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a home while also protecting it from dust and allergens. While curtain track systems are known for their blend of style and functionality, they often come with a high price tag. An affordable and popular alternative that has been gaining attention is the IKEA VIDGA track system.
The IKEA VIDGA track system not only adds a sleek and minimalist touch to your rooms but also offers customizability. With options ranging from single to triple tracks, extendable choices, and corner connectors, this system allows you to tackle challenging tasks like curtain styling for corner windows.
One drawback of the VIDGA track system, like many IKEA products, is that it works best with other IKEA items, limiting your curtain choices. However, a workaround shared by YouTube user Juju's Journey provides a solution to adapt the VIDGA track to accommodate various types of curtains.
SourcePurchase IKEA RIKTIG curtain hooks
Finding the right curtain hooks is the key to adapting your curtains for the VIDGA track system. The hooks that come with the IKEA VIDGA track only work with curtains sold on IKEA and those with gathering or pleat tapes. So if the best bedroom curtains you have are not from IKEA and lack loops or tapes, a workaround is to purchase the IKEA RIKTIG curtain hooks with clips. This attachment lets you clip the curtains at one end and hook them to the VIDGA gliders at the other. A minor drawback of using clips is their visibility, which might not blend well with your curtain's aesthetic. Depending on your curtain's thickness, clipping a few inches in from the edge of the curtain can help conceal the clips, keeping them out of sight for a cleaner look.
The IKEA RIKTIG curtain hooks are available for purchase at $4.99 per pack, each pack containing 24 pieces, which is the same number of hooks and gliders found in a pack of IKEA VIDGA gliders with hooks. If you have an extended track system or one with multiple tracks, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on RIKTIG and VIDGA hooks. Additionally, consider the aesthetic you desire. Opt for fewer pleats for a simpler, more laid-back look. If you prefer more pleats, you'll need to install additional hooks on your curtains.
Remove the original hooks from the gliders
You must remove the original hooks that come with the VIDGA gliders to attach the RIKTIG hooks. However, this process can be challenging and uncomfortable for your fingers. For a safer and more convenient method, take down the gliders along with the hooks from the track entirely. This way, you can easily remove each hook one by one while seated or standing on a stable surface, rather than attempting to do so directly from the track while balancing on a ladder or stool.
To detach the gliders from the curtain track, remove the end cap at the track's edge using an Allen wrench. Once the end cap is off, you can slide the gliders out of the track. After separating the gliders, detach the hooks from them. Subsequently, slide the gliders back into the track. If your project necessitates additional gliders, now is the optimal time to insert them. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the number of gliders later by adding more or removing some, so it's advisable not to reattach the end cap right away.
Evenly attach the clips to the curtain
After removing the original hooks and preparing the gliders, it's time to evenly attach the clips to the curtain. This step is crucial for achieving a polished and balanced look. Make sure to distribute the clips uniformly along the curtain to create consistent pleats and maintain a cohesive appearance. Take your time during this process to ensure that each clip is securely fastened and that the curtain hangs smoothly when reattached to the track.
Before attaching the hooks to your curtain, consider which curtains to use and see if they work well with the track system. For example, curtains with metal rings might not be the best fit aesthetically for this track since the rings could pose a challenge for smooth operation. Curtains with back tabs and rod pockets, similar to what Juju's Journey installed in her VIDGA track, are much easier to use with the hooks since there are no attachments to work with.
Start by attaching your RIKTIG clips to your curtains; make sure that the open part of the hook faces the back of the curtain. Juju's Journey shared a clever hack to evenly distribute the clips on the curtain. Fold the curtains and attach clips to either end — this way, you're placing them in the exact half of the curtain. Keep folding the curtain in half and place the clips on the edges of the fold. The result is a completely even, pleated look. If you want more pleats, keep folding the curtain in half and place more hooks. If you use too few hooks on your curtain, you'll end up with noticeable gaps between the folds, which can detract from the curtain's overall appearance and functionality.
Hook the clips onto the track
Once all the gliders are ready in the track and all the hooks are evenly placed on your curtains, it's time to hook them into the track. Once done, remove any excess gliders on the track and attach the end cap using an Allen wrench.
